September 27, 2018

Join us for the last DSA Thursday of 2018!

This month’s theme is “Collaboration.”

Collaboration highlights and celebrates the many ways in which the community of North Adams comes together artistically and socially – bringing attention to social issues, supporting one another, and collectively creating a bold and vibrant North Adams.

Openings:

pictured: Raul Gonzalez “feeding break, then we’ll get back to painting”

SPECTRUM brings to MCLA Gallery 51 a reflection and conversation on the gender continuum—exploring cultural and social issues of gender roles, norms and identification. The work include in SPECTRUM examines masculinity, femininity and gender identifications between and outside of this binary. The 30 national and international artists in the show have used their artistic voice to examine, question, confront and critique the relationships between gender and society.

“This exhibition turns to the ability of artists to confront the status quo and challenge cultural standards, providing a framework for discussion and change through visual arts.” – Arthur De Bow, MCLA Gallery 51 Curator

Self-indulgence has become the primary goal of present day cultures and societies. Well-appointed contemporary cathedrals of consumption reaffirm our existence through the never-ending quest for novel feelings, erotic sensations and observation of bizarre realities. The clamor for pleasure idolizes self-fulfillment and sets the hedonistic earthly delights of decadence, comfort and leisure on a pedestal.

The ephemerality rich façade of my work challenges notions of status, excess, and taste while simultaneously expanding on the theme of false idols and musing on the foibles of the human condition. The intent of the work is to encourage the viewer to be mindful of the brevity of life, provoking introspection and reflection. While originating in a personal curiosity and fascination with death the art work transforms the personal into broader contemporary cultural pathologies. Intention is derived from the theological dissemination of fear surrounding death and the struggle people have with how they conduct their living despite it.

Building 13 is hosting its fall Open House on the campus of MASS MoCA. There will be new exhibitions opening in the galleries, CYNTHIA-REEVES, Ferrin Contemporary and closing events at The Artist Book Foundation as well as, open studios at Assets for Artists and The Studios at MASS MoCA. Building 13 Open House events will take place September 27th beginning at 5- 7pm and scheduled to coincide with the last 2018 DOWNSTREET ART in North Adams. The event is free and open to the public.

CYNTHIA-REEVES – For her new exhibition, Allison Gildersleeve, a Brooklyn-based artist, is creating a collage installation on site at the gallery. In a recent month-long residency in London, Allison developed the elements she will employ to develop the collages September 25 – 29; the gallery will be open to the public during that time. The artist’s reception on 9/27 is 5-7pm., and the exhibition runs through November 3rd.

FERRIN CONTEMPORARY – Opening Reception for “Canary Syndrome”. Inspired by the historic adage “a canary in the coalmine” and the idea that, like canaries, artists are hypersensitive to the forces threatening human existence. Nine artists visually explore threats to the environment, culture, ethics and civilization in general. Exhibition will run through November 4.

THE ARTIST BOOK FOUNDATION – “Swimmers, Recent Works by Carole Feuerman”. Carole Feuerman’s hyperrealistic human-figure sculptures express a refreshing perspective on the mundane but intensely personal activities of modern life. Exhibition closes September 29th.

STUDIOS AT MASS MoCA — An artist residency managed by MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists program — will be hosting an Open Studios featuring the 8 artists-in-residence, who will be sharing a wide range of works-in-progress. Drinks and snacks are on the house.

ROAM: A Xtina Parks Gallery is currently showing its inaugural exhibition which encapsulates over 7 years of work by its namesake, Xtina Parks. This exhibition features African wildlife and landscape photography in a truly unique and awe-inspiring way. During downstreet art, visitors can learn about these beautiful animals and scenes while enjoying refreshments.

Also on view (check websites for times):

Berkshire Artist Museum – FACULTY-ARTISTS FROM NEW ENGLAND COLLEGES – Art departments are very important, and BAM wants to demonstrate the quality of artists who are also involved in helping the next generation. Also on view: “The Next Generation: Jeanne Jalandoni,” “Edwardian Era Fashion: Collection of Greg Lafave,” and selections from the permanent collection.

Galen Cheney Projects – Studio for artist Galen Cheney. Her work reflects the energy, vibrancy, and controlled chaos of the urban environment. She seeks to make muscular, uncompromising paintings that know who they are.

Music, Activities and Performance

Federico, Based in Western Mass, Balduccie studied Classical and Jazz Guitars at The University of Puerto Rico. He also studied composition at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto, and is working on a Film Score degree at Berklee School of Music. Steve and John are New Haven based Free Music Veterans. All three players are members of the New Improvisers Collective.

lady jane is esperanza friel, a singer songwriter from western mass. in her tiny bedroom in her small hometown, she writes songs of loss and love and the small beautiful victories in between. these days are not for the faint of heart. and neither are these ballads.

During the LAST Downstreet Art event of 2018, we’ll have paint (for fingers and for brushes) along with various collage materials for YOU to create your own piece of a larger artwork that will become a mini mobile mural. First stop on the mini mobile mural tour: not too far—the windows next door!

Egyptian artist, Alaa Awad‘s, “Justice” mural on Center Street in downtown, North Adams is the catalyst for this community art-making collaboration with Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song now in it’s third year!

This arts activation project is conceived and directed by performing & teaching artist, Lara Gonzalez, with musical support from the women of Marafanyi – Yael Shacham & Lisa Gonzalez-Howell. They co-created with inter-generational community members of all abilities to compose, choreograph and arrange this unique performance art interpretation of Awad’s Art Work.

Holden St. Creativity Zone

Interactive activities for the young and the young-at-heart

Get those creative juices flowing! We’ll have community and volunteer led activities for you to create (or relax on) some unique works of art.